In a display of golfing brilliance that could only be described as electric, Spain’s Yago Horno seized victory at the McGregor Trophy hosted at West Essex Golf Club.
Horno’s triumph was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by two scintillating rounds of 64 and 65 on the final day, resulting in a breathtaking total of -13 for the tournament.
His performance was a masterclass in precision and nerve, punctuated by an impressive tally of 13 birdies and not a single bogey to mar his card.
This stellar showing allowed Horno to edge out Australia’s Ollie Marsh by a solitary stroke, with Marsh falling just short despite a valiant effort that included a spirited birdie finish.
Denmark’s Noah Lundskaer also shone brightly, securing third place with consistent rounds of 68 on the final day, ending at -9 overall.
Meanwhile, Álvaro Trujillano Cardenas of Spain, who led after the first day, settled for a commendable fourth place.
Local favorite Charlie Rusbridge, hailing from Essex, shared the fifth spot with Spain’s Samuel Love, both finishing at -6 after an impressive four rounds of play.
Ireland’s Eoin Burrows surged up the leaderboard on the final day, securing seventh place with a stellar finish, closely followed by Italy’s Giampaolo Gagliardi and Denmark’s Christian Photin Hansen in eighth and ninth places respectively.
Ireland’s Freddie Bracken completed the top-10 finishers, underscoring the event’s diverse international field.
However, it was Horno’s remarkable comeback from a seven-shot deficit on the last day that stole the show.
At just 15 years old, Horno’s victory not only marked a personal milestone but also a historic moment for Spanish golf, being the first Spaniard to claim the McGregor Trophy since Ignacio Puente in 2015.
The celebrations were as vibrant as his play, with teammates and spectators alike joining in jubilation as Horno embraced the magnitude of his achievement.
Reflecting on his win, Horno expressed overwhelming joy: “I am very happy because I played so well.
I don’t have any words because it feels incredible! They are all my friends, so I was happy that they were there to celebrate at the end with me.”
The tournament also celebrated emerging talent with the Jean Case Memorial awarded to Denmark’s Lundskaer for his stellar performance under the age of 15, while Denmark’s team, led by Hansen and Alfred Hove, claimed the Nations Cup.
With ten players finishing under par, the McGregor Trophy showcased not only exceptional individual performances but also the competitive spirit and camaraderie among the international field.
As the final leaderboard attests, the event at West Essex Golf Club was a testament to the enduring allure and competitive spirit of junior golf at its finest.
